Nation building infrastructure for future productivity and prosperity

Investing in Australia's economic infrastructure

Investment in Australia's economic infrastructure is vital. The Government is investing $22 billion to improve Australia's transport, energy, communications, education and health infrastructure.

The Government is supporting jobs today by investing in the infrastructure needed for tomorrow. This investment will support around 15,000 jobs each year, peaking at around 18,000 jobs in 2011‑12 (in addition to those jobs supported by the National Broadband Network). In the short term, this will provide a direct stimulus that lifts demand for goods and services.

In the medium and long term, it will support economic growth by raising aggregate supply and expanding the productive capacity of the Australian economy.

Road, rail and ports

Australia's transport networks are critical economic infrastructure that underpin future productivity and improve the connectedness of our communities.

The Government will invest $8.5 billion to expand Australia's land transport networks targeting roads, rail and ports — the building blocks for Australia's future productivity and growth.

Metro rail networks

The Government is committed to building world‑class infrastructure that enhances the amenity and productivity of our cities. As Australia's major cities continue to grow and expand, investment in urban infrastructure is urgently needed to support sustainable development and renewal.

The Government is investing $4.6 billion to improve metropolitan rail networks in six major cities: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and the Gold Coast. More efficient metro rail networks will deliver economic and social benefits through faster travel times, less road congestion and lower greenhouse gas emissions.